A Hyndburn mother who started a charity in her daughter’s memory to support families of children undergoing cancer treatment said she was “extremely honored” to have received a prestigious award.
Every weekday, the Prime Minister recognizes an inspiring volunteer with the Daily Point of Light award, which is presented to outstanding individual volunteers – people who are making a change in their communities.
Lorraine Wilson founded Milly’s Smiles to support the wellbeing of children and their families undergoing cancer treatment by providing them with bags filled with both essential and comfort items.
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Her daughter Milly was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in November 2014 and died in September 2015, at age 11.
Lorraine, herself an intensive care nurse, wanted to do something in memory of her daughters for other families, and was aware of how disheartening and disorienting it can be for children and their families when they are diagnosed with cancer and an unexpected stay in the hospital. hospital for treatment.
She started out producing Milly’s Bags, filled with essential items such as toiletries, as well as a rainbow blanket and other comforts, including a homemade knitted elephant plush toy.
More than 700 Milly’s Bags have now been distributed to children undergoing cancer treatment at children’s hospitals in Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester, and Lorraine is looking to expand and donate a Milly Bag to every young cancer patient in England.
In September, we reported that the town gate in Great Harwood was lit with gold to mark the Go Gold initiative for childhood cancer awareness in September after a request from Lorraine was passed on to the council by Barton & Hallworth Funeral Services.
“I am very humbled to accept this on behalf of my daughter Milly in recognition of the work I am doing with her charity Milly’s Smiles,” said Lorraine.
“It is a privilege to support families who are unexpectedly hospitalized after their child is diagnosed with a cancer-related illness. This is where my heart is and I will continue this work for many years to come. Thank you for recognizing our work with such a prestigious honor.”
Hyndburn MP Sara Britcliffe said: “Lorraine absolutely deserves this award. The work she has done to give Milly’s Bags to children in hospital will have been a comforting blanket for so many children and families going through some of the most difficult times of their lives. to go.
“Lorraine did this after going through the same thing with her own daughter, Milly, and this award is an honor for both of them. Through this work, Milly’s memory positively impacts the lives of so many others.”
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